Portret van een onbekende jonge vrouw, gezicht naar links gekeerd 1734

Editor: So, here we have "Portret van een onbekende jonge vrouw, gezicht naar links gekeerd," or "Portrait of an unknown young woman, facing to the left," by Pierre Filloeul, made in 1734. It’s a pen and pencil drawing. I’m immediately struck by the softness of the lines and the somewhat melancholic expression. What symbols or cultural memory might be embedded in this piece? Curator: I'm intrigued by the simplicity. The light pencil work and the direct gaze evoke a sense of vulnerability, but consider also the bow at her chest and the linen cap. These were symbols of modesty but also markers of a certain class. Are they also performative in some way? Is she actively constructing a particular image for herself, and for us? Editor: That's interesting, I hadn’t considered the constructed nature of her image. Is it common to find such intentional symbolism in what appears to be a simple portrait from this period? Curator: Absolutely. Clothing, pose, even the direction she's facing - these were all consciously chosen and communicated specific messages. The ‘unknown woman’ aspect itself can also carry symbolic weight: is she meant to be a representation of every woman or perhaps a muse? Editor: So, it's like Filloeul is using her portrait as a kind of visual language? Curator: Precisely! And how does the notion of a visual language connect with our experience viewing this artwork today? Are the symbols still alive for the contemporary viewer or not? Editor: This has really broadened my view of portraiture beyond just capturing a likeness. Thanks, that’s fascinating. Curator: Indeed, recognizing the layers of symbolism embedded in these works gives us a richer understanding of both the subject and the society that created her.